big hug

Meanings

1. 1nouncountableinformal

   A warm, tight embrace given to show affection, pleasure, gratitude or comfort.

   Grammar: Countable: a big hug, two big hugs. Usually used with give, get or need.

   Patterns

   • give someone a big hug
   • get a big hug from someone

   She ran across the platform and gave her grandfather a big hug.

   After the long flight, all I wanted was a big hug from my sister.

   The coach gave each player a big hug after the final whistle.

2. 2phrasefixed phraseinformal

   A friendly message, written or spoken, that sends comfort or affection to someone who is not there.

   Grammar: Used alone or in a sentence like sending you a big hug, especially in texts and cards.

   Patterns

   • sending you a big hug
   • big hug to someone

   Sending you a big hug; I'm thinking of you today.

   Thanks for everything, and a big hug to the kids!

   Big hug, and see you on Saturday.

Word forms

Common combinations

give someone a big hug

Give your mother a big hug when you see her.

need a big hug

After that awful week, I think she needs a big hug.

send a big hug

I wanted to send a big hug to everyone at the hospital.

big hug and a kiss

The little boy ran in for a big hug and a kiss.

get a big hug

Every guest got a big hug at the door.

Synonyms and how they differ

embrace

Embrace is the more formal word and need not suggest the warmth and enthusiasm of a big hug.

bear hug

A bear hug is a very tight, strong hug, so it stresses force, while big hug stresses affection.

squeeze

Squeeze is a brief, tight clasp, sometimes only of an arm or hand, and is less obviously affectionate.

cuddle

A cuddle is longer and quieter, often with someone sitting close together, rather than a quick, hearty big hug.

Word family

hug noun

an act of holding someone closely

hug verb

to put your arms around someone

hugger noun

a person who hugs, often a tree-hugger or a hugger of friends

huggable adjective

so cuddly that you want to hug it

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “big hug”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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